Polk County Public Schools Earn B Grade, Continuing Academic Momentum with Strong District and School Performance 

Prepared from PCPS Press Release

Polk County Public Schools (PCPS) continues to strengthen the foundation of Polk County’s future workforce. Recently earning another solid B district grade from the Florida Department of Education for the 2025-26 school year, the district also posted significant academic gains. PCPS maintained and improved its B grade rating despite increasingly rigorous state academic standards, reflecting continued progress in student achievement and long-term educational outcomes. 

“Two years ago, we recaptured our B grade, and we’ve continued to build upon that success,” said PCPS Superintendent Fred Heid. “It’s especially notable because the state’s academic criteria has only become more rigorous. Today’s results are clear: PCPS is on a hot streak.” 

Student performance improved across multiple subject areas, with gains in math, science and English language arts. The district also achieved a historic graduation rate of 87.7%, while traditional PCPS high schools (excluding charter and alternative schools) reached an even higher graduation rate of 92.7%. 

School-Specific Spotlights 

The district’s progress was reflected at the school level as well. A total of 29 traditional PCPS schools improved their school grades in 2025-26, more than doubling the number of schools that improved compared to the previous year. 

Among the highlights: 

• Ten schools improved to an A rating, including Garden Grove Elementary and Scott Lake Elementary, which each advanced from a C to an A. Combee Academy earned its first-ever A, while Snively Elementary received its first A in 20 years. Bethune Academy and Daniel Jenkins Academy also earned their first A ratings in well over a decade. 

• Sixteen schools improved to a B, including Dixieland Elementary, which jumped from a D to a B. Griffin Elementary and Kathleen Elementary reclaimed their B grades after years of steady progress, while Willow Oak School earned its first B. 

• Three schools improved from a D to a C: Crystal Lake Middle, Kathleen Middle and North Lakeland Elementary. 

Recipe for Student Success 

These amazing results don’t happen overnight; they are the result of the concentrated efforts of students, faculty, and parents alike. PCPS attributes part of this success to a comprehensive system that tailors its focus on each student’s individual needs and progress. 

According to a press release by the district, “PCPS uses an intensive progress monitoring system to track students’ academics, providing support based on each child’s learning style. The district’s formula has been highly successful, and Heid said PCPS will intensify its efforts to keep moving forward.” 

The district plans to continue building on this momentum as it prepares students for success in higher education, technical training and careers that support Polk County’s growing economy. 

“I’m tremendously proud of our students, teachers, staff and community. So many people have worked incredibly hard for these results,” Heid said. “It’s rewarding to know that we’re on the right track, but we won’t stop here. The future is bright for Polk County Public Schools.” 

Read more from Polk County Public Schools 

Individual school grades are available through the Florida Department of Education.